EU High Representative Catherine Ashton visits the Middle East (04/01/2011)

Catherine Ashton, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Commission
Vice-President, will travel to the Middle East on 5 and 6 January. She will meet key leaders from both
the Israeli and Palestinian authorities to confirm the commitment of the European Union to the peace
process, and to reiterate the need for the opening of crossings into Gaza in order to allow for its
reconstruction and economic recovery.

Speaking ahead of the trip Catherine Ashton said: "Urgent progress is now needed towards a lasting
Israeli-Palestinian peace and the European Union will continue to support all efforts towards that
goal. There is no alternative to a negotiated solution. We want to see the State of Israel and
a sovereign and viable State of Palestine living side by side in peace and security."